The International Monetary Fund (IMF) today released the October 2012 Regional Economic Outlook: Sub-Saharan Africa. Ms. Antoinette Monsio Sayeh, Director of the IMF's African Department, commented on the report's main findings:

The Republic of South Sudan joined the International Monetary Fund (IMF) today when Finance and Economic Planning Minister Kosti Manibe Ngai signed the IMF’s Articles of Agreement at a ceremony in Washington D.C.

“I am happy to welcome the Republic of South Sudan, which today becomes our 188th member,” IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde said. “South Sudan faces enormous challenges, and the IMF will do its best to assist the country in setting up the foundations for economic stability and growth in the period ahead,” Ms. Lagarde underscored.

Press Release No. 11/472
December 16, 2011
Ms. Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), issued the following statement after a meeting with H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, in Washington today:

“It was a pleasure to meet President Kiir and his delegation at the IMF headquarters. South Sudan, as the world newest country, has great potential to realize the dreams and aspirations of its people. We are hopeful that this new beginning will bring peace and prosperity for the people of South Sudan.